Henry's Class: Week of 4/22

Based on your internship experience, what factors seem to affect the academic success of immigrant students and English Language Learners in your school? How have you been taking these factors into consideration in your instructional practice? (adapted from Richard-Amato & Snow, 2005, p. 7)

Confidence is a big factor here, I think. One ELL student failed the entire first quarter because, I think, he didn’t feel he could do any of the work. And perhaps, at that point, his English was not yet developed enough for him to adequately participate in the assignment work. In hind-sight, I think I should have tried to address his language needs with accommodations; however, at that point it was early enough in my internship that I unfortunately hadn’t yet developed the know-how or initiative to take aside a student like this one and create a modified program.

This second semester, however, this kid has taken off. He’s been diligent about getting his homework done, which—even though it’s rarely perfect—that gets him consistent credit, AND necessary writing practice. The biggest change I’ve seen, however, is in his attitude: he seems to come in with determination now. Though it may be difficult, he WILL get it done. I also think he’s become more comfortable with asking for questions or help, which means I’m better able to assist him.

Some of my other ELLs seem to be comfortable enough with the other kids and the classroom setting that they’re willing participants in classroom assignments, with the exception that many of them are reluctant to speak in front of the class.

To help boost this confidence level, I try to be as encouraging as possible. I smile at them, welcome them to class, and do everything possible to show interest in and validation for their native culture. This last week, we had our kids do presentations on Africa as part of our Things Fall Apart unit; the ELL students that I have from Africa did their own presentations, talking about their childhood. They were given extra credit for doing a Powerpoint by themselves, and for the most part, it seemed to be an effective way of not only validating the kids’ cultures, but of educating the other students about different cultures and ways of life. I try to let them know that our classroom is a safe environment for them, and that they have every reason to feel confident in making scholastic endeavors.